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Number Forms Teaching Tips and Ideas for 2024

If you are an elementary teacher looking for tips and ideas for how to teach number forms, then you found the right place! Learn what they are, why it’s important, what your students need to know, and get 5 helpful tips for teaching it in a fun and engaging way. Read all about teaching number forms below!

how to teach number forms

What are Number Forms?

Number forms are understanding how to read, write and represent numbers. Students will learn how to read, write and represent numbers using standard form, expanded form and word form. 

Why are Number Forms Important?

It is important for students to learn this math topic because it strengthens students’ place value understanding. Place value understanding leads to students solving higher-level math problems.

What Number Forms Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

2nd Grade

  • Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. (2.NBT.A.3)

TEKS

1st Grade

  • Use objects, pictures, and expanded and standard forms to represent numbers up to 120; (1.2.C)

2nd Grade

  • Use standard, word, and expanded forms to represent numbers up to 1,200; (2.2B)

5 Tips for How to Teach Number Forms

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching this math topic to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Number Forms

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching this math topic are A Million Dots by Andrew Clements, How Much Is A Million? by David M. Schwartz and Best Counting Book Ever by Richard Scarrys. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching number forms are base-ten blocks, number tiles, place value frame, hundreds place value chart and a number line. 

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for number forms are number names, expanded form, models, base ten model, digit, place-value, unit form, number bond, flat, rod, units, standard form, word form and three-digit. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Learning to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use number forms in the real world are when writing a personal check, writing the date or giving someone your phone number. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice number forms at home are by counting money, representing the weather and creating a password. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach number forms helpful!

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